Benefits Manager

USHG - Home Office; New York (NY); On-site; USD 75,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay & bonus

Health coverage

Paid time off

401(k) plan

Life insurance

Dining credit

Dining discount

Commuter benefits

Job summary

USHG Home Office in New York is seeking a Benefits Manager to oversee our employee benefits program. You will lead the design, implementation, and communication of health, retirement, and other perks, ensuring regulatory compliance and vendor effectiveness.

You will partner with People, payroll, and finance to align benefits with business needs, monitor trends, and manage budgets while delivering a competitive package to our team.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of benefits management experience in hospitality or related industry.
• Strong knowledge of benefits packages, policies, and regulations.
• Ability to communicate effectively with senior leaders and cross‑functional teams.
• SHRM certification or equivalent and experience with UKG is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement benefits programs including health, retirement, and perks.
• Communicate benefits details and enrollment deadlines to employees.
• Stay updated on benefits laws and industry trends; recommend program improvements.
• Manage vendor relationships and contract negotiations with providers.
• Collaborate with People, payroll, and finance to integrate systems and processes.
• Monitor budget, forecast costs, and ensure ACA/ERISA compliance.

Skills

Benefits management

HR systems

Communication with senior leaders

Negotiation skills

Analytical skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree

SHRM Certification

UKG experience

Tools

UKG

Job description

USHG Home Office
853 Broadway
17th Fl
New York, NY 10003, USA

Description

Union Square Hospitality Group (USHG) has created some of New York's most beloved restaurants, cafes, and bars, which offer outstanding food delivered with our signature warmth and hospitality. Founded by Danny Meyer with the opening of Union Square Cafe in 1985, the company now extends beyond the walls of its eateries.

USHG has long supported its communities through hunger relief and civic organizations. USHG holds 28 James Beard Awards and numerous accolades for its distinctive style of hospitality.

Who you are:

At USHG, we start with each other. The Benefits Manager is responsible for overseeing Union Square Hospitality Group's employee benefits program. They will work with the People team and will play a critical role in ensuring that employees receive a comprehensive and competitive benefits package. This individual must be knowledgeable about benefits trends and regulations and have strong analytical, communication, and management skills.

What you’ll do:

• Cultivate a culture of Enlightened Hospitality for all stakeholders that supports our business objectives and growth
• Develop and implement employee benefits programs: The Benefits Manager researches, designs, and implements employee benefits programs. This includes health insurance, retirement plans, and other employee perks, such as wellness programs.
• Communicate benefits information: The Benefits Manager communicates benefits information to USHG employees, including plan details, enrollment deadlines, and changes to the program. They may also provide training to employees on how to use the benefits program.
• Monitor benefits trends: The Benefits Manager stays current on changes in laws and regulations related to employee benefits. They also monitor industry trends and make recommendations to improve the benefits program.
• Manage vendor relationships: The Benefits Manager works with insurance providers, retirement plan administrators, and other vendors to negotiate contracts and ensure that services are delivered efficiently.
• Analyze benefits data: The Benefits Manager analyzes benefits data to assess the effectiveness of the program and identify areas for improvement. They may also conduct surveys to gather feedback from employees about the benefits program.
• Ensure compliance: The Benefits Manager ensures that the benefits program is compliant with all relevant laws and regulations, including the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA).
• Collaborate with other teams: The Benefits Manager works with other teams, such as People, payroll, and finance, to ensure that the benefits program is integrated with other systems and processes.
• Manage budget: The Benefits Manager manages the budget for the benefits program, including forecasting costs, monitoring expenses, and making recommendations for cost-saving measures. Communicates, promotes, and continues to evaluate our internal transfer/promotion process to support both business needs and employee growth needs
• Vendor Relationships: The Benefits Manager will work and collaborate with the following vendors:BRI, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Fidelity, Cigna, Davis Vision, Wagmo, Unum, EB Cohen

What we need from you:

• 3-5 years of experience managing benefits preferably in the hospitality industry
• Proficient in HR systems and extensive knowledge of benefits packages, policies, and legislation
• Must be able to communicate effectively with senior leaders, build trust, credibility, and influence by example
• Must have strong written, and verbal presentation and negotiation skills.
• Sound HR judgment and sense of urgency
• Keen understanding of the hospitality industry and the culture and beliefs of Union Square Hospitality Group
• Knowledge of compensation and wage guidelines a plus
• Bachelor’s degree or relevant work experience required. SHRM Certification and UKG experience are a plus

What you’ll get from us:

At Union Square Hospitality Group, extending Enlightened Hospitality is at the heart of everything we do. We believe our people are our greatest ingredient.Joining our team means becoming part of a culture rooted in care, creativity, and growth. As a Benefits Manager, you’ll enjoy:

• Competitive pay and bonus potential : Annual compensation of $75,000 - $85,000 plus eligibility for a performance-based bonus, with consideration for your experience and impact
• Comprehensive health coverage: Medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus flexible spending options for healthcare and dependent care
• Time to recharge: Generous paid time off and paid parental leave to support life outside of work
• Investing in your future: A matched 401(k) plan to help you grow long-term savings
• Peace of mind: Life insurance, employee assistance programs, and exclusive access to primary care, mental health, and other wellness services.
• Support in times of need: Access to the USHG HUGS Employee Relief Fund, offering direct assistance to team members facing unexpected hardship
• Dining Credit: An annual dining credit to enjoy exceptional meals and experiences at any of our restaurants
• Dining Discount: A 51% dining discount across the entire USHG family of restaurants to share unforgettable meals with friends and loved ones
• Convenience & flexibility: Pre-tax commuter benefits for transit and parking
• Growth and community: Opportunities for learning, mentorship, and collaboration with some of the most passionate people in hospitality.

Putting Enlightened Hospitality into Practice

Integral to our culture are our six behaviors. Our behaviors guide how we work together.

• We play to win with humble swagger. Hospitality is a team sport where everyone deserves an opportunity to thrive and belong
• Turn over the rocks and always be connecting dots to build uplifting experiences and relationships
• Center the salt shaker with an unwavering commitment to excellence and the values that matter most
• Write a great next chapter. The road to success is paved with mistakes well-handled
• Bring a charitable assumption and err on the side of generosity
• Leave our campsite better than we found it; always responsible for the impact of our wake

The above represents the expected salary range for this position. Ultimately, in determining your pay, we'll consider your experience and other job-related factors.

The responsibilities outlined above are not exhaustive. This role may be required to take on other duties or projects as necessary to support organizational goals, in alignment with their skills, experience, and the evolving needs of the business.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.